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Saddle Sores, Ornery Broncs and Dude Ranches
 End of a Long Day by Jack Terry |
The dude ranch brochures don't mention the maladies that befall city slickers: aching muscles, ornery broncs, and skin rubbed raw. Ten simple suggestions can prevent your western adventure from turning into a wretched ordeal:
1. Take riding lessons at your local riding academy before heading out. The right posture will allow you to spend those saddle hours in comfort: spine straight, shoulders relaxed, waist tipped slightly forward so your tail bone doesn't touch the seat of the saddle. Your knees should be bent with your heel directly under your hip and your toe directly under your knee. Your elbow should rest at your waist, with your hand hovering just over the saddle horn. As your speed increases, from walk to jog to lope, lean forward slightly to absorb the motion. Stretching exercises can help achieve and hold these positions.
2. Ask for a soft-gaited horse or mule. Some horses move easier than others, allowing you to enjoy a smoother ride. A comfortable saddle is a necessity. Ask for one that has a balanced seat, allowing you to settle deep and secure. Saddle seats come in sizes. Be sure yours has ample room but isn't so large you slide around.
3. Relax in the saddle. Widen your knee grip rather than grasping tight. Keep your heels down and refrain from pushing your stirrup forward. Your stirrup should serve as a floor, directly under your weight. Your spine should be relaxed, swaying in rhythm with your mount's movement.
4. Encourage your horse to mellow out. Keep your shoulders, arms and fingers relaxed, with a small droop in the reins, putting pressure on the bit only when you need to tell him to turn or stop. Don't bump your legs or squeeze his ribs unless you want to go faster or change gaits. Lean forward occasionally and pat his neck to let him know he's doing things right. Talk to him when the mood strikes. Horses usually respond to a calm, quiet voice. Loud voices may alarm them though, so think before you speak.
 Rocky Creek Colts by Jack Terry |
6. Don't hesitate to stop for a rest or dismount to stretch your muscles. Walking beside your horse will help loosen muscles that are starting to stiffen. The ideal stirrup length is the length of your arm from fingertips to armpit, measured from the side of the saddle seat to the bottom of the stirrup. However, vary the length occasionally, one inch up or down. This will help change your posture and relieve aching muscles. If you feel well balanced, you can even drop your stirrups and ride with your feet dangling -- a good technique to stretch while staying mounted.
7. Consider riding only part of the day, and then switch to the buckboard or cook's wagon for the rest of the trip. Wranglers usually have several suggestions when you need a break.
8. If you have unusual physical needs, let the wranglers know in advance. Many people need special consideration for back problems, assistance with mounting or other infirmities. Horseback riding can be a liberating experience for those with limited abilities if they plan ahead.
9. Bring extra padding. Tack stores carry a range of saddle pads that can cushion the saddle in strategic areas, such as the seat or the knees. Elastic bandages for wrapping the knees -- the most likely place for saddle sores -- are an excellent investment.
10. Wear proper clothing. Cowboys wear boots and hats for a reason. The boot is designed to protect you in case of a fall, preventing your foot from becoming trapped in the stirrup. The hat prevents sunburn, as do long sleeves. Old jeans, soft from numerous washings, should be comfortably fit, not too loose or too tight. This is especially important in the knee. The material should be flat on the inside when the knee is bent, as a fold will rub sores. A good sunscreen is a must, generously spread over your entire body since you can burn through clothing.
Roundups, day rides and packing into the high country are just three ways you can experience the romance and excitement of the Old West. Other options are available: campfire singalongs, wagon trains, hay rides and ghost town tours. As stock is moved from place to place, there is always a need for gatekeepers, firetenders, cooks and a range of other jobs on foot.
If your heart longs for a home on the range, then don't be discouraged by your drugstore cowboy status. There is an option just right for you -- as long as you arrive prepared.
